chapter902

Candice navigated the expansive executive hall, her footsteps echoing in the quiet space. The assistant's desk was empty, and the silence was heavy until she reached the CEO’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and curiosity—mixed with a hint of trepidation—led her to peer inside.

A sharp crash of papers hitting the floor made her flinch. Then, Elio’s voice, cold and sharp as a winter gale, sliced through the air. "Take your people and leave. Now."

"Elio, curb your arrogance!" The retort came from Tim McAree, a man whose voice carried the weight of decades. "I was laying the foundations of this empire with your grandfather before your father was even a thought. He would have shown me respect. Who are you to dismiss my legacy?"

"I am the one firing you," Elio replied, his tone chillingly detached. "The shares, the dividends, the years of high salary—those were your rewards. The company has compensated you for the past; we owe you nothing for a future where you add no value. It’s time to make room for those who actually work."

"You really are a piece of work, Elio," Tim sneered.

"And don't bother leaving a list of recommendations," Elio added. "Every person you brought in through the back door is leaving with you."

Another crash echoed—this time, it sounded like a chair being shoved aside. Candice stepped back just as the door swung open. Tim, a man in his sixties with a face etched in bitterness, stormed out followed by a group of young men in sharp suits.

He stopped when he saw Candice, his eyes raking over her with disdain. "So, you’re the new face? A simple designer brave enough to haunt the CEO’s office? You’re certainly attractive. Did you charm your way into the director’s chair, or was it something more transactional?"

Candice froze, realizing Tim was lashing out because the previous director—his ally—had been purged. Before she could find her voice, the group swept past her.

Hearing the commotion, Elio stepped out into the hall. The cold ruthlessness vanished from his face the moment he saw Candice. A flash of anxious excitement crossed his eyes; he clearly hadn't expected her to come to him.

"Mr. Hoffis," Candice whispered, her voice trembling.

"Don't stay out there," Elio said warmly, beckoning her in. "Come in, Candice."

She entered tentatively, her heart still racing from the chilling authority she had just overheard. "I... I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was looking for Sean."

"It’s alright." Elio offered a gentle smile that reached his eyes. He stepped forward, his hand sliding softly around her wrist to guide her toward the sofa. "Have you had lunch?"

"Not yet."

"Wait for me for a moment. I’ll take you out." He placed some fruit and snacks in front of her. "Eat something small for now. I just need to finish up."

He moved back to his desk with efficient grace, shutting down his systems and donning his suit jacket. Candice watched him, struck by the contrast. To the company, he was an intimidating lion in his den; to her, in this private space, he was something else entirely.

When he finally approached her, his presence was commanding yet strangely inviting. "Let's go," he said softly.